The Elders’ Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has appealed to governorship aspirants to exercise patience in purchasing nomination forms for the 2026 governorship election. The advisory came on Friday following the submission of a key report detailing preparations for the party’s internal processes.
In a statement signed by the caucus chairman, Mr Sola Akinwumi, the group confirmed that its Adhoc Committee on the 2026 Osun Governorship Election had submitted its report on 14 November 2025. Based on the findings, the caucus resolved to establish a Screening Committee to assess all aspirants within a specified timeframe.
“The body put a Screening Committee in place and charged the committee to expeditiously screen all Gubernatorial Aspirants for the 2026 Governorship election within a time frame,” Akinwumi noted. He further urged aspirants to “exercise patience in obtaining the prescribed Forms by the Party until the Screening Committee submits its Report.” He also encouraged party stakeholders to remain steadfast and committed to APC unity.
The APC in Osun has fixed its governorship primary for 13 December 2025, months ahead of the 8 August 2026 gubernatorial poll. Interest in the party’s ticket is strong, with around 13 aspirants already positioning themselves for the contest.
Those who have publicly expressed interest include: Mr Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority; Senator Iyiola Omisore, former Deputy Governor; Senator Babajide Omoworare, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business; Mr Dotun Babayemi; Benedict Alabi, former Deputy Governor; Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman of Mutual Assurance Benefits; Dr Peter Babalola, a former Chief of Staff; and Kunle Adegoke (SAN), a legal practitioner.
Meanwhile, Senator Omisore became the first aspirant to officially obtain the party’s N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms. His purchase was confirmed by the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, who said: “Yes, it is true. And you are also right about the observation that he was the first governorship aspirant to pick the nomination and expression of interest forms.”
Arriving at the APC national secretariat in Abuja with a jubilant crowd of supporters, Omisore declared that his decision was driven by duty rather than ambition.
“This is not about ambition; it is about responsibility — a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun,” he said.
